M3.6 Earthquake – EASTERN HONSHU, JAPAN

Published: 23 hours ago•Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 4:39 AM UTC

A minor magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck near EASTERN HONSHU, JAPAN at a shallow crustal depth of 40.0 km, releasing seismic energy equivalent to approximately 4 tons of TNT. Tracked live on Earthquake Today, here is the verified EMSC telemetry, interactive epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.

3.6MAG
Minor EarthquakeShallow Crustal Event
EASTERN HONSHU, JAPANJapan

Seismic Telemetry Specifications

Magnitude

3.6M

Minor Seismic Class

Focal Depth

40.0km

Crustal Layer

Epicenter

35.200° N, 137.300° E

GPS Coordinates

Energy Yield

4 tons

TNT Equivalent Power

Network Source

EMSC

EMSC-CSEM Network

Epicenter Location & Tectonic Fault Map

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Is This Earthquake Dangerous?

A magnitude 3.6 event is classified as a minor earthquake. Often felt by people indoors, especially on upper floors. Hanging objects may swing slightly; structural damage is extremely rare.

Estimated Shaking Radius~25–50 km
Potential Damage ZoneNone
Focal Depth EffectHigh Surface Energy (Crustal)

Estimated Shaking Across Nearby Communities

Osaka• 173.2 km (107.6 mi) WSW

Felt by almost no one except under extraordinarily favorable conditions.

MMI I • Imperceptible
Tokyo• 219.4 km (136.3 mi) ENE

Felt by almost no one except under extraordinarily favorable conditions.

MMI I • Imperceptible

Did You Feel This Earthquake?

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Your immediate response verifies shaking boundaries and helps ground-truth instrumental models.

What Does Magnitude 3.6 Mean?

Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:

1.0 – 2.9Micro
3.0 – 3.9Minor
This Event
4.0 – 4.9Light
5.0 – 5.9Moderate
6.0 – 6.9Strong
7.0 – 7.9Major
8.0+Great

Logarithmic Energy Multiplier

Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:

10× Ground Motion Amplitude
The seismograph wave amplitude jumps tenfold for every 1.0 magnitude step.
~31.6× Radiated Kinetic Energy
Total energy release multiplies exponentially (101.5 ≈ 31.62 times per unit).

Why Did This Earthquake Happen?

Japan sits at the complex collision intersection of four major tectonic plates: the Pacific, Philippine Sea, Eurasian, and North American plates. Subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Japanese archipelago creates intense strain that releases as high-frequency megathrust earthquakes and volcanic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Originating at a depth of 40.0 km (Earth's Crust (0–70 km)), this rupture occurred occurred within the brittle upper crust. shallow earthquakes produce the highest peak ground acceleration and the sharpest surface shaking.

Aftershock Outlook & Secondary Tremors

Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 3.6. According to statistical seismic models, there is roughly a 5% probability of a subsequent event of equal or greater strength occurring in the same fault zone. Residents in Japan are advised to check living spaces for unsecured items.

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Earthquake Safety Action Plan

Complete Safety Guide →
During the Shaking
  • •Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Take cover beneath a sturdy table or desk.
  • •Stay indoors away from exterior glass windows and heavy unanchored fixtures.
  • •If outdoors, move into an open area away from power lines and building facades.
Immediately After
  • •Inspect utilities for damaged gas lines, water leaks, or electrical hazards.
  • •Expect Aftershocks: Secondary tremors frequently strike after significant events.
  • •Avoid damaged structures and listen to official emergency broadcasts.
Preparation & Kits
  • •Maintain a 72-hour emergency go-bag with water, food, and first aid.
  • •Anchor heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances to structural studs.
  • •Establish a family emergency communication protocol and meeting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers about this earthquake.

No. No tsunami warning, watch, or advisory was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) or the USGS for this M3.6 event. The focal depth (40.0 km) and magnitude did not generate sufficient vertical seafloor displacement to trigger a hazardous tsunami wave.

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